Northeast Philadelphia.

Moving into Philadelphia not only helped me get closer to wonderful museums, but also allowed me to become surrounded by such a huge beer culture. Currently, I live in the Northeastern portion of Philadelphia; Torresdale & Magee.  My two favorite places to go to are Greys Lodge located on Frankford and Curran's found on the corner of Street Rd and Longshore; right off interstate 95.

Lets start with Curran's.  Curran's has a nice 'homie' vibe with about 20 taps.  What keeps me going to Curran's is their shuffle board table and good food.  Their beer selection isn't the best, but if you want a good time with good people, then feel free to visit and challenge strangers to shuffle board. 

As mentioned, the beer selection isn't strong.  They keep the same beers on draft and rotate one or two every 4 months or so.  Currently, they have Leinenkugel's Big Butt on draft.  If I could change one thing as a beer lover, it would be to have a rotating draft list.

Grey Lodge on the other hand, doesn't have the rotating problem that Curran's has.  Grey Lodge is one of the only places you will find in the Northeast with such as unique and constantly changing draft list; this is mostly thanks to the manager Chris.  Chris is also a beer lover and enjoys selection and change.  Grey Lodge changes their 10 tap draft system weekly.  Accompanying their drafts, Grey Lodge also has plenty of bottles and cans to choose from. 

Grey Lodge likes to keep their audience entertained by having Quizzo nights, Furkin nights and much more.  One example of their creativity is something they call "Beer Week".  Beer Week is a 13 week-long event of specifically chosen beers that dedicated beer lovers can enjoy.  Each week, those who drink the beer of the week, signs an attendance chart.  At the end of 13 weeks, each participant who completes all 13 weeks gets a cool shirt.  Currently, we are in week 10.  Three more weeks and I will get my shirt. Woooo!!

Along  with their nachos and great wings, Grey Lodge's has dart boards with a mechanical score board that makes playing Cricket much easier, not to mention fun.  As a kid, I threw darts, but without knowing what I was actually doing.  This bar allowed me to learn and enjoy the game.

Go out and try Grey Lodge. You won't regret it.  http://www.greylodge.com/

Go Explore,
Jaimes Brothers 

Heartland Brewery

So it's been a while and a lot of exploration had happened.  Sorry for not filling you all in; but it's hard to write while having fun.  I do hope to reminisce later on with you all over a Jailbreak Double IPA, just hang tight.

At this moment im at Heartbreak Brewery in NYC right next to port Authority. This was a great accidental visit. I spotted this place without my contacts on from across the street. 

I come in and quickly grab a flight of 8 for roughly $13. The flavors of these beers are full and all currently have light bodies. Im only half way through my flight, can. Already tell you that this is a great, chill spot to visit while in NYC.

This place has a family feel with friendly faces; you all know how mush I enjoy friendly faces.  *hold on*

So my Shepard pie just came in and its alright. Ill say come and explore on your own and find out how the environment suits you.

Go explore,
Jaimes Brother.

Diversity

Hey guys its been a while, sorry for leaving you dry and without blogs. I'm pretty sure that you think they're awesome, but you might not... its okay cuz I did.

Let me start with, 'Wow.' I'm at a bar right now and by the view from the window you can see the crowd. When you first walk in you're welcomed by many signs of breweries.  The second door, once passed, you feel the culture and fun. Friendly smiles and voices are acompanied by kind faces.

Even though the bar and tables are crowded with a 25 minute wait, it's smooth sailing all the way; maybe its due to the fact this has an older and more mature crowd.

I picked up a 'Drink By" from Stone and threw it back while I enjoyed conversation and the aroma of multiple beers hitting my face.

The selection and friendly environment definitely supports the reason that this pub is recommended by many.  I would definitely come back with many friends. 

I wish I could write more but I'm exploring McMenamin's Tavern on Germantown ave a bit more.

Go explore,
Jaimes Brother

NYC pub of the night

Today I ventured to a few NYC pubs, but the one that really impressed me through technoligy was George Keeleys (485 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024). As all really good pubs, the space wasn't huge, nor was it catered to the Bud or Bush crowd.
When I first walked in, I was awakened with smiles, a clean smell and a board with roughly 22 micros on taps; along with a cool electronic beer menu behind the bar; which I will speak about later.

Everyone here was full of worry-free thoughts and a hunger for great beer. As I was waiting for my friend Heriberto (a good friend who I introduced to the beer scene) I saw that the entire bar was filled with a wide array of ages; from the early 20s to the ripe age of 67 (I asked a random senior).  Regardless of status, people were kind to one another and laughed endlessly.

Now, for the electronic menu board behind the bar. At first I thought it was a typical beer menu but as I continued to look at it, I saw that it's top portion kept their avid drinkers updated on interactions via Foursquare, Twitter and Untappd, when I saw this I had to definitely look for my name. 

The coolness didn't stop there. What made this board even cooler was how it monitored which kegs were recently tapped and how much beer was still left (similar color concept of a phone battery). You can look below for a picture that shows what I spoke about and more.

So the next time you are in NYC, please pay this place a visit; you won't regret it.

Go Explore,

Jaimes Brother

Canada beer scene

Hey everyone,

I went to Canada for the weekend and wanted to try the beers they had out there. Finding unique brews was not a problem since the liquor and beers were both available together at the local liquor store.
I did find one thing unique about Canada's selection of offerings; most were light, medium bodies lagers or refreshing pilsners. I didn't find any high percentage brews being sold for less than $12 a bottle. Even though I was disappointed in not fnding some good IPAs or stouts, I did gain more respect for pilsners.
Normally, I don't like pilsners because of thier bittery finish that I see here in the states, but Canada offered some pilsners that were crisp and all around refreshing; thanks Canada. 
Unfortunately I was not able to venture into a hole in the wall that offered great brews, but I did find the Syndicate Brewing Co. It was here that I tasted some well rounded brews that didn't pack punches like many of the breweries here in America. Though I enjoy punches to my palette,  these flavors actually caressed them and made near love to them. The flavors in Canada were not bold, but found ways to work with each other in a way that allowed the drinker to enjoy while being curious.

I hope you enjoyed this brief summary of my time in Canada as a conquistador (explorer).

Go Explore,
Jaimes Brother

Beer History

If you want to learn about how beer influenced our lives, and are too lazy to read a book or an issue of a beer magazine, then watch "How Beer Saved the World".

H.B.S.theW. is a funny, yet extremely interesting and historical documentary. This documentary changes your views on the #1 most consumed beverage in the world.  Some things it may change is: the view on our Nation's anthem, the creation of factories, refrigerators, and more.

I for one was enlightened and amazed on what beer did for this world.  Of course some information may be theories; where others seem to have more solid research weaved into it. Overall, I think you should research the information you find from this documentary so that you will value the information that much more.
I really hope you take the time to find this documentary on netflix or the internet somewhere because if you drink beer only to drink it, then this documentary will help you discover that you need to also appreciate it.

Go Explore,
Jaimes Brother

Philadelphia Brewing Co

You first walk into the store portion of the brewery which is filled with merchandise and cases of beer. As you walk up you are welcomed by a huge space with large windows and an authentic Munich Germany Octoberfest style tent-like ceiling.
My girlfriend and I first try the cider... which is very bitter; more than just "tart" as its description implies.
One thing I'm not impressed with is the fact that there isn't a seasonal on their taste list. Overall I can't complain one bit for the free tour and tasting. Our tour guide was fantastic; I definitely recommend going on a tour which is held every hour on Saturdays.
Kenzinger is quite good, has Noble hops with a pilsner finish.
I'm going to continue enjoying my beers, so find yourself a good brew and enjoy with me.
Find my ratings of these beers on Untappd; a free beer app that is awesome and more awesome. My handle on Untappd is Enigma6

Go Explore
Jaimes Out